Water & Wastewater Asia(WWA) is the primary source of industry knowledge, driving the future of the water sector. This invaluable resource specifically caters to trade professionals involved in the water and wastewater industry, offering essential perspectives on the water value chain. It provides up-to-date information on market trends, innovations, and strategies for efficient management and distribution of the world’s most precious resource. As the leading publication in the Asia-Pacific region, WWA has a widespread of circulation among industry experts and key stakeholders. These professionals rely on this reputable business journal for reliable reporting and exclusive insights from their peers. Additionally, WWA incorporates the official newsletter of the Singapore Water Association (SWA), further solidifying its authority and relevance in the field.
www.waterwastewaterasia.com SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024
Exclusive Interview Gowrishankar, Tigernix’s CEO Pg 16
CONTENTS
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Editor’s note
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News
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SWA newsletter
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What’s next?
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Advertisers’ index
SINGAPORE FOCUS 13
Driving innovation in the water sector: Isle Utilities’ role in expanding cleantech solutions
15 Speeding up commercialisation of novel water technologies at TechXchange 2024 IN CONVERSATION WITH 16 “Balancing cost, risk and performance of the assets is the signature expertise of Tigernix’s system”
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Barriers and blessings of Bangladesh’s water infrastructure Ramboll’s multidisciplinary approach in Asia
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“Danfoss’ design configuration is like assembling Lego blocks” “PFAS, like any mega trend, will attract a lot of companies — standard and best practices are required”
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IN THE FIELD 30
Lowering energy costs for ZLD at a tannery effluent treatment plant in Ranipet, India Recycling and reuse of water resources from industrial wastewater in Taiwan TeamSolve’s generative AI-based digital knowledge companion (DKC) enhances Singapore’s water sector Grundfos’ solar pump remote monitoring for a remote outback cattle station in Australia
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2 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
CONTENTS
FOCUS 38
Biogas expansion increases demand for HRS systems What to consider in selecting the right isolation valve Overcoming chemical dosing challenges in wastewater treatment Smart water infrastructure: Transforming water management Strong growth of MBR treatment demands high efficiency fine pre-screening in South East Asia
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HOTSEAT 49
DeepSeaTek: Bringing the world closer to water security with advanced deep-sea water processing technology Phosphorus removal options explored in collaborative trials
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ON OUR RADAR 57
Hydrotest drinking water components with Cortec’s VpCI-649 HP
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Transmitter for precise drinking water flow measurements
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In-Situ extends software capabilities with Cloud Connection
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Metris addIQ ARGOS: The eye that never sleeps
SHOW PREVIEW 60
Vietwater 2024, the business exchange platform for the water industry in Vietnam The premiere of IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Environment Asia (SEA) 2024 leads sustainability innovations
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Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
Treading a tightrope, transforming water management
Gracing the cover page, Tigernix CEO Gowrishankar is featured for the first time in Water & Wastewater Asia . Helming this software development company headquartered in Singapore, he shares how Tigernix’s software frameworks balance cost, risk and performance of water and wastewater assets in which “nothing is compromised”. Read how it optimises operations from catchment management to consumers’ distribution lines, and the CEO’s initiative to raise awareness of Tigernix in Asia and beyond (p. 16). Water infrastructure around the world has different demands to cater to, based on geographical differences and volatile climate change effects. Flip to page 18 to learn Bangladesh’s approach, page 32 to explore how Taiwan recycles and reuses industrial wastewater, and page 36 for a Grundfos’ case study in the Northern Territory of Australia. With these complexities, advancing technologies to transform water management is a pursuit for many companies. This is seen with Sands Technologies’ artificial intelligence (AI) expertise (p. 44), In-Situ’s Cloud Connection (p. 58) and ANDRITZ’s Metris
addIQ ARGOS — the eye that never sleeps (p. 59). For DeepSeaTek, a Blue Tech company, it tackles global water scarcity with its advanced deep-sea water processing systems, bringing the world closer to water security (p. 49). As always, collaboration in this conservative sector is vital. De Nora Water Technologies CEO Marwan Nesicolaci stresses the need for the industry to come together to develop industry standards when it comes to mega trends such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment (p. 28). Additionally, according to Pritha Hariram, head, water infrastructure and climate adaptation, APAC, Ramboll Singapore; the importance of good governance structures to build climate resilience in water infrastructures “cannot [be undermined]”, especially for South East Asia (p. 22). For Danfoss High Pressure Pumps, its APAC regional sales manager Lee HoJae said that its flexible response to a nation’s water crisis and swift cooperation with the government secured its order (p. 26). These water leaders echo similar sentiments — joining forces is necessary to tackle today’s water issues efficiently.
Amira Yunos Assistant Editor
The last quarter of the year will be eventful for the water industry. Get ready for the second edition of Sustainability Environment Asia (SEA) in Malaysia, Vietwater 2024 this November and the premiere of IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi this December. Peruse these show previews from page 60-62.
Amira Yunos
PABLO SINGAPORE William Pang • Publisher
All rights reserved. Views of writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher and the Singapore Water Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine. All advertisements are accepted on the understanding that the Advertiser is authorised to publish the contents of the advertisements, and in this respect, the Advertiser shall indemnify the Publisher against all claims or suits for libel, violation of right of privacy and copyright infringements. Water & Wastewater Asia is a controlled-circulation bi-monthly magazine. It is mailed free-of-charge to readers who meet a set of criteria. Paid subscription is available to those who do not fit our terms of control. Please refer to subscription form provided in the publication for more details. Printed by Oxford Graphic Printers Pte Ltd
williampang@pabloasia.com Amira Yunos • Assistant Editor amira@pabloasia.com Pang YanJun • Business Development Manager yanjun@pabloasia.com Goh Meng Yong • Graphic Designer mengyong@pabloasia.com Shu Ai Ling • Circulation Manager
Published by PABLO PUBLISHING & EXHIBITION PTE LTD 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, #01-23 Link@AMK Singapore 569139 Tel: (65) 6266 5512 • E-mail: info@pabloasia.com Company Registration No: 200001473N Singapore MICA (P) No: 059/11/2023 REGIONAL OFFICES (CHINA) PABLO BEIJING Tel: +86 10 6509 7728 • Email: pablobeijing@163.com PABLO SHANGHAI Tel: +86 21 5238 9737 • Email: pabloshanghai@163.net
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Water & Wastewater Asia incorporates the official newsletter of Singapore Water Association
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4 Water & Wastewater Asia | January-February 2023 September-October 2024
NEWS
Imagine H2O’s Water Innovation Pilot Fund
A new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managed by Imagine H2O will provide recoverable grants and loans to derisk water and climate solutions faster. Pilot financing will be deployed alongside a technical assistance facility to support project success. Oceankind and The Coca-Cola Foundation are among the original financial supporters with additional philanthropic supporters to be announced later this year.
Over 90% of climate-related disasters, such as droughts, floods, storms, and other extreme weather events, are caused by disruptions to the water cycle. As these threats facing our cities, economies and watersheds intensify, progress towards achieving universal access to water and sanitation is alarmingly off course. Accelerating the uptake of innovation is urgently needed to transform how water resources impacted by the climate crisis are monitored, treated, and restored. In response to an increased demand for new solutions, the supply and quality of water tech entrepreneurs is improving. In 2024, 395 water tech startups from 41 countries registered for Imagine H2O innovation programmes. More startups successfully raised venture capital from 2021-2023 than the entire previous decade. Despite this success, many solutions struggle to scale because the risk capital available often does not align with the sector’s long adoption cycles. Investors require a track record to de-risk a new technology or an unfamiliar market. Grants are scarce for market testing and many early adopters are unable or unwilling to pay for demonstration projects. Globally, investment in water is outpaced by other climate tech domains. In addition, Imagine H2O’s network of over 50 municipal and industrial partners share common barriers that dissuade them from piloting new technologies. Oftentimes, budgets are tight and procurement rules may be cumbersome. Risk aversion also remains high when a new technology fails to
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1 SmartTerra
Indonesia Pilot
2 TracWater
Philippines Pilot 3 Imagine H2O Asia Innovation Pavilion at SIWW 4 Pure Active Water, Vietnam
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have a local case study or team. As a result, financial support is crucial. Equally important, solutions need on-the-ground support. The Water Innovation Pilot Fund helps entrepreneurs bridge this challenging commercialisation gap and de-risk their technologies faster. Pilot co-financing is deployed in the form of recoverable grants and loans. Project design and development
support is also provided through a technical assistance facility supported by Imagine H2O’s accelerators. The Fund will support three categories of pilots: early validation of novel technologies, solution development of new features and services, and market expansion into new segments and geographies.
Building on Imagine H2O’s ‘Urban Water Challenge’ supported by Oceankind and the
6 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
NEWS
‘Sustainable Solutions Access Partnership’ supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Fund now brings its partners to scale a single, global funding strategy for water solutions. Over the next three years, the Fund will co-finance up to 40 projects using recoverable grants and loans that will be recycled to sustain more pilots. Grants will average $100,000. Startups can use the funding for different purposes, from first-of-its-kind technology validation or new market expansion. Projects will be sourced from Imagine H2O’s global portfolio of 217 startups and its network of early-adopters. To increase the likelihood of project success, Imagine H2O’s technical and market experts will be activated to advise startups on implementation. Project impact will be measured across all dimensions of the water crisis, addressing Imagine H2O’s impact pillars: health, equity circularity and climate. New funding partners are invited to join Imagine H2O.
Images: Imagine H2O
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Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 7
NEWS
Finalists of Bentley Systems’ 2024 Going Digital Awards announced
Bentley Systems — the infrastructure engineering software company — has announced the finalists of the 2024 Going Digital Awards. The annual awards event honours the extraordinary work of Bentley’s global users, showcasing how innovative software enables the advancement of the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life. This year, 36 finalists, across 12 categories, were selected from over 250 nominations submitted by organisations in 36 countries. Representatives from the finalist organisations will present their projects to a panel of 34 independent judges, to determine the award winners. Winners will be revealed on 9 Oct 2024, during the 2024 Going Digital Awards event, held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Canada.
1 The seawater
desalination project of Wanhua Chemical aims to support a low-carbon chemical park and alleviate freshwater resource constraints, providing Pengali with 90 million tonnes per year of freshwater resources (Image: Beijing Shougang International
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Engineering Technology) 2 The Uttar Pradesh
Tube Well aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to rural
households in India through 1.7 million household connections serving 6.8 million people (Image: L&T Construction)
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The three finalists in the ‘Water and Wastewater’ category are: 1. Beijing Shougang International Engineering Technology,
Submissions should demonstrate going digital innovations and will be judged against the following four key principles. First, integration and interoperability. Submissions should highlight the value gained through the integration and interoperability of Bentley products and technology across teams, disciplines, organisations, and stakeholders. They must demonstrate use of Bentley’s OpenFlows software — WaterGEMS, WaterCAD, SewerGEMS, SewerCAD, HAMMER, StormCAD, CivilStorm, PondPack, CulvertMaster, FlowMaster, FLOOD and/ or OpenFlows digital twin cloud solutions — WaterSight, PlantSight, SewerSight, iTwin. In addition, submissions may include other software — including but not limited to Bentley’s iTwin Capture, OpenPlant, STAAD, PLAXIS, OpenRoads, SYNCHRO, ProjectWise, or AssetWise. Next, submissions should demonstrate how process and workflow improvements helped increase efficiency and effectiveness,
application of industry good practice, and compliance with project and industry standards. Additionally, regional impact will be assessed. Submissions should establish in terms of sustainability, plus social, economic, and environmental conditions, as well as how new or upgraded infrastructure will improve the quality of life for people who live and work nearby. Finally, submissions should present quantifiable results achieved, including gains in productivity, efficiency, and quality; mitigation and management of risk; increased safety; reduced time and cost; and improved asset performance, reliability, or resilience. Fallon added that these programmes highlight engineering genius; they showcase the teams of infrastructure professionals that are unlocking the power of data with artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, immersive visualisations to make modern life possible. “We applaud and celebrate each finalist for their outstanding achievements to make better, more resilient critical infrastructure for an improved quality of life,” Fallon said.
Wanhua Chemical (Penglai) — 300,000 tonnes/day seawater desalination project of Wanhua Chemical (Penglai), Yantai, Shandong, China 2. L&T Construction — Uttar Pradesh tube well project under Jal Jeevan Mission, Uttar Pradesh, India 3. Basic Sanitation Utility Company of the State of São Paulo — SABESP — INTEGRA 4.0 cultural transformation through digitalisation, São Paulo, Brazil “Infrastructure is essential. It connects us locally and globally, supporting our society and economic growth and development,” said Kristin Fallon, chief marketing officer, Bentley Systems. “This year’s Going Digital Awards finalists represent an impressive mix of international projects that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible on land, at sea, and underground.”
8 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
NEWS
EuroTec Water secures retrofit UF membranes water recycling project in Malaysia
Singapore-based membrane technology company EuroTec Water has secured the final batch of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes replacement order for Central Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) located in Setia Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. It will retrofit two existing UF trains which produce 5 million litres per day (MLD) of non-potable treated water, eventually increasing the plant’s production capacity to 7.5MLD. In 2022, EuroTec Water supplied its first batch of UF membranes to retrofit Central WRP’s existing UF membrane train for piloting purposes on the treated bio-effluent. After demonstrating the reliability of its UF membranes for over a year, EuroTec Water received the second batch of retrofit UF membranes order in 2023. This is then followed
by a final purchase of retrofit UF membranes in 2024 to completely replace the two existing UF trains. A total of 96 retrofit UF membranes modules were installed in Central WRP. Central WRP is a water recycling project joint-partnered by Malaysia Water Agencies, Air Selangor and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under its sustainable water recycling initiative, supported by the Environment and Water Ministry and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). The agreement will permit the treated bio-effluent from IWK’s wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to be pumped to Central WRP for further treating with UF membranes and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The non-potable treated water will then be supplied through
Eurotec’s UF membranes on first UF train (Image: EuroTec)
Air Selangor’s pipe network distribution to industrial consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya for industrial processes and non-food crop agricultural applications. Nik Chia, managing director of EuroTec Water, said, “We are proud to have worked with our Malaysia partner, Kloberz to supply our high-performing UF membrane modules to Central WRP without the need of any modification to the two existing UF trains, achieving reliable and stable UF membrane operation to support Malaysia’s sustainable water recycling initiative.”
EuroTec Ultrafiltration Membranes are engineered with high operating reliability and superior filtrate quality. Well suited for drinking water purification, seawater desalination, wastewater recycling and RO pre-treatment, backed by years of research and proven performance. EUROTEC ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES
OUR KEY FEATURES
Consistent, Superior Filtrate Quality
Excellent Chemical Stability and Resistance
High Porosity Single-Skin Membrane Layer
Outside-In Flow Mode
Narrow Pore Size Distribution
High Strength and Durability
For more information, visit us at: www.eurotec.sg or contact us at: sales@eurotec.sg
Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 9
NEWS
Gradiant’s sales growth over US$500m in new orders for H1 2024
Global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment Gradiant has closed the first half of 2024 with over $500m in new orders, continuing the momentum from a record Q1 order book of $337m. This performance marks the fifth year of doubling annual sales and the impact of the company’s strategic expansion into the US and high-tech manufacturing sectors worldwide. Gradiant continued to deliver for blue-chip leaders in industries for whom they have become the go-to water solutions partner, signing new agreements to design, build and operate (DBO) flagship water treatment and wastewater recycling plants in the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia regions. A portion of the new orders are for high profile projects in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry in the US and Asia, and for returning customers who are adopting more of Gradiant’s solutions. New orders in H1 2024 are with clients including Micron, STMicroelectronics, AB InBev, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Rio Tinto, Petronas, ADNOC, and Nama Water. These agreements highlight the demand from high-tech manufacturing, F&B, and heavy industrial sectors for solutions that reduce water consumption, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater for return to nature. These deals showcase Gradiant’s capability to support sustainable global development across various environmental, economic, and regulatory landscapes. Industry uses up to 50% of the world’s water. Gradiant offers a technology stack engineered to handle complex
water and wastewater challenges for industries, including F&B, pharmaceuticals, mining, renewables, and power. Gradiant solutions ensure that industrial partners achieve sustainability efficiency goals at the lowest capital expenditure and operating expense costs. The succession of wins reflects Gradiant’s prominence resulting from the addition of its CURE Chemicals, a full suite of customised chemical solutions for water and wastewater operations recently announced. GWI Global Water Summit honoured Gradiant in May with the ‘Water Company of the Year (Distinction)’ and ‘Water Technology Idol’ awards, acknowledging their leadership performance in technology innovation. “Our continued sales growth, bolstered by new high-tech industrial partnerships, is a testament to our solution-oriented approach and technological innovation that meets the exacting performance and sustainability demands of our clients,” said Prakash Govindan, Gradiant COO. “We are delivering on our commitment to help industry and communities thrive side-by-side to ensure water for generations to come.”
Gradiant enhanced its value proposition in Q2 with technological announcements in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment and lithium production. In May, Gradiant introduced ForeverGone, the industry’s first complete all-in-one solution to remove and permanently destroy PFAS. ForeverGone produces water that meets or exceeds the latest US EPA drinking water standards for PFAS. The fully integrated solution efficiently, sustainably, and reportedly at the lowest total cost achieves PFAS removal. Subsequently, in June, Gradiant announced alkaLi, a standalone spin-out company dedicated to accelerating the scaling of battery-grade lithium production. alkaLi is powered by EC2 — a Gradiant-grade innovation that is said to be the industry’s first and only all-in-one, fully integrated solution, engineered to extract, concentrate and convert battery-grade lithium. alkaLi offers an efficient solution to produce lithium and meet the growing trends in electrification — led by the demand for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, and portable electronic devices.
10 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
NEWS
Indo Water 2024 to advance the water sector in Indonesia
Indo Water — together with Indo Waste and Recycling, Indo Renergy and Electric, Indo Security, and Indo Firex — is part of Indonesia’s integrated technology event, which will take place from 18-20 Sep 2024 at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia. Organiser Napindo Media Ashatama (Napindo) held a meeting with participants on 7 Aug 2024 to provide details of the three-day exhibition in September. “This exhibition will be an ecosystem that facilitates industry leaders, policymakers, distributors [and] academics under one roof, so that it can encourage closer collaboration,” said Napindo project director Agung Wicaksono. This event is said to consist the six largest international exhibitions in Indonesia, providing a platform to improve efficiency and sustainability for the related sectors in the nation. More than 700 participants from 30 countries and 19,000 visitors are expected to attend the event in September. This year, nine country pavilions have confirmed their participation — Indonesia, Austria, China, Hungary, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and Turkey.
From left: Samuel Octaviano Wajong; senior sales manager; Napindo, Agung Wicaksono; project director; Napindo, Adhika Arthapaty; senior operation manager; Napindo (Image: Napindo)
Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 11
NEWS
Grundfos and Yeong Chin Machinery join forces to transform Taiwan’s machine tools industry
NEWS IN BRIEF
IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition 2024 comes to a close The International Water Association (IWA) 2024 World Water Congress and Exhibition (WWCE) ran from 11-15 Aug 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada, marking the end of the latest edition of IWA’s biennial flagship event. Armstrong’s new Design Envelope Tango ensures service during maintenance Armstrong Fluid Technology has introduced new, larger sizes of the Design Envelope Tango — a compact, low-carbon dual pump that ensures uninterrupted service, even during maintenance.
Global pump solutions and water technology group Grundfos has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yeong Chin Machinery (YCM) Industries, to expedite the transition to intelligent and energy-efficient systems in Taiwan’s machine tool manufacturing industry. As the first pump manufacturer and water solutions provider to receive full validation for its 2050 net-zero target from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Grundfos is committed to driving its transformation towards a net-zero future by helping its customers save energy through intelligent and energy-efficient e-pump solutions that provide energy and cost savings, reduce CO2 emissions, and minimise service and maintenance requirements. YCM, a company in the machine tools manufacturing industry with a focus on high-end markets, has integrated Grundfos’ iSolutions and e-pumps for several years. This cooperation extends beyond product offerings, representing an alliance to elevate the industry. “We are delighted that YCM, our valuable and longstanding partner, has leveraged Grundfos’ products and solutions, especially
our e-offerings, to expedite the transition to intelligent and energy-efficient systems in Taiwan’s machine tool manufacturing industry and advance ESG commitments,” said Eric Lai, regional managing director for Grundfos Industry APAC. In support of energy savings and carbon emission reductions, the Ministry of Economic Affairs implemented energy efficiency management, power and utility subsidy programmes in 2023. Grundfos’ CR and CM multistage pumps — certified by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) — allow users to receive a subsidy of NT$4,500 per pump per kW. YCM general manager Patrick Chen added that with the increasing focus on global decarbonisation and sustainability, Grundfos understands its business needs, provides with green energy-efficient solutions, and integrates green thinking into customer experience. “This cooperation will not only enhance our competitive advantage, but also bring more value to our customers,” he said. “We look forward to leveraging both companies’ influence and products to help preserve the planet for future generations.”
BlowChem to boost mineral water production in Ghana
BlowChem has purchased an 80,000 bottles per hour (bph) still water production line from German packaging and bottling machine manufacturer Krones for Bel Aqua mineral water — which is expected to double the company’s current production capacity. Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) deploys Gentrack on AWS to drive business transformation Gentrack, a provider of next gen solutions for utilities, has completed a major transformation project at the WAF. This milestone is said to provide a future-proofed cloud platform for improved customer experiences, enhanced billing and collections operations, and support for advanced water metering technologies in Fiji. Gericke’s skid system removes pharmaceutical and cosmetic residues in wastewater treatment Powder processing solutions company Gericke has launched its new skid system designed for the processing of powdered activated carbon applied in activated sludge (PACAS) in wastewater treatment applications.
From left: Patrick Chen, general manager, YCM; Eric Lai, regional managing director, Grundfos Industry APAC; Ki Sung Han, managing
To stay abreast of the latest news in the water industry, visit our website at www.waterwastewaterasia.com.
director, Grundfos Industry East Asia (Image: Grundfos)
12 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
SINGAPORE FOCUS
Driving innovation in the water sector: Isle Utilities’ role in expanding cleantech solutions
In the water industry, innovation is not merely about developing new technologies. It is about ensuring that these innovations are integrated, adopted, and scaled within the market. Isle — through the Technology Approval Group (TAG), the Trial Reservoir, and a suite of consultancy services — plays a crucial role in supporting water utilities and cleantech companies for this journey. Isle facilitates the growth and expansion of water technologies, providing a structured pathway from concept to commercialisation. TAG: A FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION TAG is Isle’s flagship programme dedicated to systematically evaluating and accelerating the adoption of emerging water technologies. More than just an innovation forum; it is a structured framework that unites water utilities, industrial users, and technology developers. Through TAG, water utilities and industrial clients can more efficiently identify, assess, and implement new technologies. The programme fosters a peer-to-peer environment where participating utilities can review technologies, share resources, and exchange knowledge, ensuring that promising solutions are not only identified but are also integrated into the water sector. The TAG process begins with Isle’s global team of technology scouts, who are dedicated to identifying and tracking the latest market innovations. These innovations are then curated into a list for client members to review and vote on. Selected technologies are invited to present their pitches during TAG forums. The TAG process begins with a detailed assessment of each technology’s readiness, including an evaluation of technical specifications, performance data,
Erin Zhang, head of technology advisory and adoption, Isle Utilities, leads discussion at the European TAG forum in November 2023 (Image: Isle Utilities)
and scalability. Isle’s experts collaborate with technology providers to ensure that each technology is presented accurately, showcasing its innovative aspects while addressing potential adoption challenges. During the TAG forums, water utilities and industry clients provide feedback on the applicability of these technologies and discuss any possible integration challenges. This direct engagement between technology providers and end-users accelerates the adoption of solutions that have been rigorously vetted for both technical feasibility and market relevance. It operates across key markets including Europe, North America, South Africa, and Australia. TRIAL RESERVOIR: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION While TAG helps in identifying and assessing new technologies, the Trial
Reservoir addresses a critical barrier to their adoption — the financial risk associated with real-world trials. The Trial Reservoir is a funding mechanism that provides loans to technology companies operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or 9. These loans enable companies to conduct trials in operational environments, reducing the financial burden on both the technology provider and the end-user. One of its key features is its approach to risk mitigation. The financial risk of the trial is transferred from the technology company and the end-user to the reservoir itself. Before the trial begins, key performance indicators (KPIs) are established, with both parties agreeing on the desired outcomes. If the trial meets its KPIs, the end-user commits to adopting the technology, and the vendor repays the loan back into the Trial Reservoir. Conversely, if the trial does not meet the KPIs, the loan is written off, freeing both parties from financial liability.
Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 13
SINGAPORE FOCUS
The Trial Reservoir operates as an evergreen fund, meaning that repayments from successful trials are recycled into new ones. This approach ensures the fund’s sustainability and ongoing support for the commercialisation of high-potential technologies. To date, the Trial Reservoir has facilitated nine trials, eight of which have been successful and adopted by end-users, with an additional eight currently underway. The successful trials have led to energy savings and CO2 emission reductions. CASE STUDIES AND CONCLUSION The success of the Trial Reservoir is reflected in the real-world impact of its funded trials. In California, for instance, a trial using a novel non-membrane technology to remove recalcitrant elements from brackish groundwater resulted in a 35-50% reduction in energy consumption and a monthly saving of 0.23 tonnes of CO2 emissions. In the UK, a trial focused on reducing sludge haul and disposal costs for a major water utility achieved a decrease in the volume of sludge transportation needed, cutting CO2 emissions by 40,000kg/year. Additionally, a design software trial, reduced the wastewater treatment works (WwTW) design turnaround time by 50% and optimised engineering processes for reduced environmental impact. Isle’s consultancy services enhance both TAG and the Trial Reservoir by offering strategic guidance to technology providers and water utilities. These services are tailored to address the challenges faced within the water sector, supporting organisations from early-stage technology development through to market entry and growth. A strength of Isle consultancy services is their deep understanding of the global water market. The consultancy team provides clients with market analysis, including
competitor assessments, regulatory landscape evaluations, and customer segmentation. This intelligence is crucial for technology providers looking to enter new markets or expand their existing operations. For instance, a water technology company aiming to introduce a new water quality sensor to the market would benefit from Isle’s detailed market segmentation analysis. This analysis would identify key customer segments, identify potential competitors, and outline regulatory requirements, enabling the company to effectively tailor its go-to-market strategy. Isle also provides technology due diligence services, which are valuable for investors and water utilities evaluating the adoption or acquisition of new technologies. This due diligence process includes an assessment of the technology’s performance, reliability, and compatibility with existing systems. For example, Isle’s experts conduct benchmarking against industry standards to confirm the technology’s viability and ensure it meets the necessary criteria for full-scale implementation. In addition to market analysis and technology evaluation, Isle is instrumental in facilitating strategic partnerships. By understanding the strategic goals of both parties, Isle helps to align their interests, creating
partnerships that drive mutual growth. This includes identifying opportunities for co-development, joint ventures, and long-term collaborations that enhance the strategic capabilities of involved parties. Since 2018, Isle has maintained an ongoing relationship with a client whose strategy focuses on partnering with or acquiring technology companies to distinguish themselves from competitors. Isle has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the client’s business objectives, presenting technologies that align with their strategic goals. As a result, the client has established commercial relationships with several companies identified by Isle. Isle’s integrated approach to innovation and growth in the water sector is a testament to its commitment to driving meaningful change in the industry. Through TAG, the Trial Reservoir, and consultancy services, Isle not only facilitates the adoption of new technologies but also ensures that these innovations are aligned with the goals of both water utilities and technology providers. By reducing the risks associated with innovation and fostering collaboration, Isle is setting new benchmarks for what is possible in water management, ensuring the sector remains resilient, efficient, and forward-looking.
TAG members, along with Thomas Jacks, head of Dealflow at Isle Utilities, engaging in discussion and knowledge sharing during the European TAG forum in November 2022 (Image: Isle Utilities)
14 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
SINGAPORE FOCUS
Speeding up commercialisation of novel water technologies at TechXchange 2024 PUB, Singapore’s national water agency has organised TechXchange — a forum designed to connect startups with utility and industry end users, venture capitalists and accelerators/ incubators to speed up commercialisation of novel water technologies from lab to market.
TechXchange was held on 18 Jun 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, to kickstart the 2024 edition of Singapore International Water Week (SIWW). A total of 33 startups from 10 countries and 321 audience participated in five different themed sessions such as advanced treatment technologies, decentralised treatment, asset management for developing countries, water quality monitoring and smart digital solutions. These startups pitched to a judging panel comprising utilities leaders and key industry stakeholders, who were able to assess and validate the potential application of their novel and innovative technologies. Singapore was represented by eight startups at TechXchange.
The audience were also treated to a panel on pathways to
commercialisation, as well as case studies of startups with projects in South East Asia, which provided insights on how companies can grow and expand overseas using Singapore as a base. The future of water looks bright with all these emerging technologies available to the market featured in this event!
Images: SIWW
Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024 15
IN CONVERSATION WITH
“Balancing cost, risk and performance
of the assets is the signature expertise of Tigernix’s system” Tigernix CEO Gowrishankar shares about the company’s water and wastewater software frameworks designed to reap cost benefits by enhancing performance and prolonging the asset lifespan of systems. Read how it optimises operations from catchment management to consumers’ distribution lines, and the CEO’s initiative to raise awareness of Tigernix in Asia and beyond.
By Amira Yunos
Tigernix smart and integrated water asset framework (Image: Tigernix)
TIGERNIX OVERCOMES CONSTRAINTS OF CONVENTIONAL ASSET MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES As a water and wastewater asset solutions company, Tigernix has delivered lucrative water savings with its predictive analytics framework. The company provides asset managers with ways to streamline their processes and improve the performance of their assets by combining real-time visualisation platforms, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) connection, complex analytical algorithms driven by artificial
intelligence (AI), risk mitigation planning tools, condition monitoring capabilities, and virtual optimisation tools. 1 According to Gowrishankar, asset managers can proactively detect maintenance needs by utilising these mature models. They can also visualise trends and performance indicators, integrate different data sources, reduce risks, keep an eye on the health of their assets, and improve their operations.
Instead of depending on silos, Tigernix detects and manages non-revenue water (NRW) from the time rainwater arrives in the water dam using real-time and predictive indicators. “Tigernix looks at the dam, treatment, collection and distribution networks as a whole, which is unique as leakage is not only looked at from the consumer distribution network; it can happen in the form of evaporation in the catchment area too,” he added. “Therefore, all water losses — especially ones that are overlooked by legacy systems — are detected in our system.”
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IN CONVERSATION WITH
Tigernix’s financial modelling system is able to predict failures and replacement costs, by using AI-powered budget scenario comparisons — a simulative feature that prolongs the lifespan of assets such as pipes. “The budget scenarios we simulate provide actionable insights into asset renewal and replacement needs, as well as detailed prescriptive maintenance cost analysis, all integrated into a single system,” he said. Its water and wastewater management strategies also leverage digital twin, Blue-Green Algae (BGA) predictors, CCTV and satellite technologies for non-invasive ways to detect potential risks, like pipe cracks caused by tree roots, algal blooms, natural causes that affect infrastructure and more. “One way to look at is to manually see if there any cracks formed by a tree’s intrusion. But what if the network of the pipe is hundreds of kilometres long? With a single satellite image, it can cover a huge area and identify a potential crack at a particular location to look at,” the CEO said. In 2020, Tigernix reportedly lowered the annual pipe replacement expenses of Townsville, Queensland, Australia substantially, while enhancing the town’s performance and asset lifespan. Tigernix employed connected application programming interfaces (APIs) of smart sensor vendors to give a quantitative analysis of water loss levels. Not only did it indicate where the leak is, but it also presented the criticality level of the leak and how much NRW is discharged from the water leak. This overcomes the limitation of traditional pipe analytics systems as it cannot discern information about the amount of water loss. Manual teams have to be dispatched to the pipe leak location to analyse the situation and calculate the NRW water loss percentages. Tigernix’s trained AI models also used sensor- based sonar technology to detect the noise emitting from pipelines. It used this data stream to grasp the acoustic means of the pipe to analyse based on the noise. Therefore, if the pipe degrades due to tree root intrusion, foundation shifts, age, rust, water pressure, or environmental changes, the smart waves
The budget scenarios we simulate provide actionable insights into asset renewal and replacement needs, as well as detailed prescriptive maintenance cost analysis, all integrated into a single system.
Gowrishankar CEO, Tigernix
generate profiles of the pipe’s water league events based on advanced AI analytics. These changes can later be transmitted to an interactive asset timeline where the asset managers can interact with the model to get time-centric information about the asset lifecycle from deployment to replacement/ renewal. Townsville City Council (TCC) supplied 150 million litres per day (MLD) of water through a reticulation network, based on a statistical analysis of nearly 10-30% water loss happening. Tigernix prediction model managed to identify potential water network areas correctly based on condition-based model prediction, and initial deployment of sensors helped to identify potential leaks, which was around nearly 2%. Tigernix had worked with industry domain experts to derive the noise-based AI model from predicting the amount of leak based on acoustics spreads from sensors. “Balancing cost, risk and performance of water and wastewater assets is the signature expertise of Tigernix’s system,” Gowrishankar said. “Tigernix maintains that equilibrium, and nothing is compromised.”
Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) in October, and Vietnam Water Week in November; Tigernix plans to foster new business opportunities in this region. “We are keen on the Philippines market as well,” he said, adding that Tigernix’s partnership with the Singapore Water Association (SWA) has opened doors for such opportunities. The CEO also set his sights on Europe and America. “We want the transformation Tigernix has made in Australia to reach other parts of the globe. This will ensure effective water and wastewater asset management, maintain high-standard water quality, and enable demand-based water supply globally.” Reference 1 Tigernix. An efficient predictive analytics framework for asset management. <www.tigernix.com.au>
GLOBAL EXPANSION PLANS AND FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS
Headquartered in Singapore since 2006, Tigernix has established its presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Sri Lanka Gowrishankar said that with its participation in water shows across Asia such as the upcoming IndoWater in September, Borneo International Water and Wastewater
Gowrishankar CEO, Tigernix
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IN CONVERSATION WITH
Barriers and blessings of Bangladesh’s water infrastructure
Shramistha Debnath , executive engineer, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) and Uttam Saha , Bangladesh country manager, Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) share how water is managed in Bangladesh by both its government agency and a nonprofit organisation.
By Amira Yunos
Bangladesh’s water management faces both challenges and opportunities, according to experts (Image: iStock)
Tell us about Bangladesh’s water infrastructure, and how DPHE works to strengthen its resilience. Shramistha Debnath: Bangladesh, characterised by its vast river systems and low-lying topography, faces challenges in managing its water infrastructure. The country’s water infrastructure includes rivers, canals, embankments, sluices, dams, and an extensive network of water supply and sanitation facilities. Flooding, riverbank erosion, and saline intrusion are prevalent issues, exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. While progress has been made, Bangladesh’s water infrastructure still faces challenges, such as an ageing
infrastructure. Many water management structures are old and require upgrades to handle increasing pressures from population growth and climate change. Bangladesh also has water quality issues as contamination from industrial pollutants, agricultural runoff, and arsenic remains a concern. Bangladesh is crisscrossed by major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, along with their numerous tributaries. These rivers are vital for agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods but pose flooding and erosion risks. To protect against floods, Bangladesh has constructed numerous embankments and dams. However, many of
these structures are old and require regular maintenance and upgrades to withstand extreme weather events. The country relies heavily on irrigation for agriculture, particularly in the dry season. This includes a network of canals, pumps, and tube wells. Urban areas have more advanced water supply systems, including treatment plants and distribution networks. However, rapid urbanisation has strained these systems, leading to challenges in providing clean and safe water to all residents. Rural areas predominantly depend on groundwater sources, such as tube wells and hand pumps. Ensuring safe drinking water in these areas is challenging due to arsenic contamination
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IN CONVERSATION WITH
and seasonal variations in water availability.
Bangladesh, being a riverine country, is blessed with abundant natural water resources but faces challenges due to its disaster-prone nature and high population density. Uttam Saha Bangladesh country manager, WSUP
The DPHE is the primary government agency responsible for planning, implementing, and managing water supply and sanitation projects across Bangladesh, with a focus on rural and peri-urban areas. DPHE has been at the forefront of addressing arsenic contamination in groundwater. The agency tests water sources, installs arsenic removal technologies, and promotes alternative safe water sources. It also establishing and maintain water treatment plants (WTPs) to ensure the provision of safe drinking water, in urban and peri-urban areas. It collaborates with research institutions and international organisations to develop its R&D and implement water management solutions. DPHE also constructs and promotes the use of improved sanitation facilities, such as hygienic latrines, to reduce open defecation and improve public health. It conducts awareness campaigns and educational programmes on the importance of handwashing, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices. In addition, DPHE also collaborates with other agencies to construct and maintain embankments, sluices, and flood control structures. It implements early warning systems, emergency water supply measures, and disaster response plans to ensure water supply during floods and other emergencies. As such, DPHE has adopted a holistic approach to managing water resources, integrating the needs of agriculture, industry, and domestic use with an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and capacity building, DPHE leverages the strengths of both public and private sectors to enhance water
infrastructure development and management, as well as enhances the technical and managerial capacities of local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and maintenance of water infrastructure projects. What is WSUP, and how does it tailor its approach in Bangladesh compared to its six other locations like in Madagascar, Zambia, and the UK? Uttam Saha: WSUP is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income urban communities by improving access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Established in 2005 and secretariat in UK, WSUP operates across several countries in Africa and Asia, including Bangladesh, Madagascar, Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, and Mozambique. Our mission is to support the world’s poorest urban communities to achieve equitable and sustainable WASH services. We focus on urban low-income populations, as they are most affected by rapid urbanisation and unplanned city development. To address these challenges, WSUP collaborates with local governments, utilities, businesses, and communities to design and implement innovative, sustainable solutions that are tailored to each unique context. Our approach encompasses technical assistance, capacity building, policy advocacy, and direct implementation.
Bangladesh, being a riverine country, is blessed with abundant natural water resources but faces unique challenges compared to the other six locations due to its disaster-prone nature and high population density. Frequent floods and cyclones disrupt water supply and sanitation services, exacerbating contamination and causing infrastructure damage. Additionally, issues such as salinity, arsenic contamination, agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and inadequate waste management further degrade water quality. However, there are also similarities in the challenges faced by urban low-income communities across different countries. WSUP tailors its approach to consider the local context in all programme design and implementation. In Bangladesh, for instance, the prevalence of space constraints in urban low-income settlements necessitates innovative solutions like community-managed toilets and decentralised water supply systems. Bangladesh is also highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including flooding and cyclones, so WSUP prioritises building climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure that is robust and adaptable to extreme weather conditions. In Bangladesh, we work closely with local governments, utilities, private sectors, and community-based organisations to ensure that solutions are sustainable and culturally appropriate. This collaborative approach helps to foster local ownership and ensure the long-term success of our interventions.
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